Ravichandran Ashwin: A Master of Innovation and Outwitting Batsmen

Ravichandran Ashwin: A Master of Innovation and Outwitting Batsmen

Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned off-spinner, is poised to make his 100th Test appearance for India in the upcoming match against England in Dharamsala. His journey to this milestone has been marked by remarkable achievements, including surpassing the 500-wicket mark in the third Test in Rajkot.

Ashwin’s success stems from his astute intellect and insatiable curiosity for experimentation. He is constantly striving to outwit opposing batsmen, meticulously observing their cues and adapting his bowling accordingly. His sharp mind and unwavering commitment to his craft have made him a formidable force in the game.

Cheteshwar Pujara, Ashwin’s longtime national teammate, has witnessed firsthand his exceptional abilities. In a column for ‘ESPNcricinfo’, Pujara praised Ashwin’s ability to read batters and his willingness to innovate. He highlighted Ashwin’s meticulous preparation, citing an example of how he studied videos of Steve Smith before India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21.

Pujara also described Ashwin’s duels against star England batter Joe Root as a “battle of wills.” Ashwin’s tactic of keeping Root on strike and denying him singles has proven effective, forcing the English batsman to defend and react to Ashwin’s variations.

Beyond his cricketing prowess, Ashwin is known for his intelligence and wit. Pujara described him as “very smart” with an impressive vocabulary. However, Ashwin is also a good sport, despite his competitive nature.

Off the field, Ashwin is a voracious reader, enjoys chess online, and is always open to learning new things. His insatiable curiosity and commitment to excellence extend beyond the cricket pitch.

As Ashwin prepares for his 100th Test, he stands as a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of success. His contributions to Indian cricket have been immense, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of bowlers to come.

Tamil Nadu's Batting Gamble Backfires in Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

Tamil Nadu’s Batting Gamble Backfires in Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

Tamil Nadu’s decision to bat first in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai backfired spectacularly, as they suffered a humiliating innings defeat. Skipper R. Sai Kishore defended his choice, citing his instincts and past success with the strategy. However, coach Sulakshan Kulkarni strongly criticized the decision, stating that the team should have bowled first on a seamer-friendly pitch.

Kulkarni pointed out that Tamil Nadu had planned to field three seamers and drop a batter if they won the toss. He believed that bowling first would have given them an advantage, but Sai Kishore’s decision to bat first proved costly.

Despite Sai Kishore’s six wickets, the lack of support from other bowlers and the batters’ inability to adapt to the conditions led to Tamil Nadu’s downfall. Kulkarni acknowledged that Sai Kishore was the team’s best bowler, but he felt that left-arm spinner S. Ajith Ram was underutilized.

Despite the disappointment, Kulkarni praised the team’s efforts this season, highlighting the performances of batters who scored over 500 runs and Indrajith’s crucial knocks. He expressed satisfaction with reaching the semifinals but acknowledged that a trophy would have been the ultimate goal.

Sakshi Malik Retires from Wrestling Amid Ongoing Protest Against Sexual Harassment

Sakshi Malik Retires from Wrestling Amid Ongoing Protest Against Sexual Harassment

Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik has announced her permanent retirement from competitive wrestling, citing the ongoing protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. Malik, along with fellow Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, has been leading the protest for over a year, demanding Singh’s removal and arrest.

Malik’s decision to retire stems from the mental anguish she has endured during the protest. “It’s been more than a year, there is so much mental pressure and we have been trying to fight in every possible way to make this protest a success, so I’ll not be able to continue wrestling,” she said.

Despite her retirement, Malik remains committed to the cause of women’s empowerment in sports. “I got (Olympic) bronze for India and I want my juniors to get silver and gold. I would love to see each and every girl in India pursuing her dreams,” she added.

Malik, Punia, and Phogat have continued their protest even after Singh’s removal as WFI head, alleging that the new president, Sanjay Singh, is merely a figurehead and that Singh still wields significant influence. Malik’s refusal to come out of retirement rules her out of this month’s national trials for the Olympic qualifiers.

The WFI was recently granted a reprieve when the provisional suspension on it was lifted by United World Wrestling (UWW) on the condition that the protesting wrestlers would be invited for all trials and there would be no discrimination. However, Malik remains skeptical, stating, “Many people have told me to continue but I don’t want to wrestle among people like Brij Bhushan. It feels bad when you see him walking around freely. It seems he is still in control.”

Malik has personally experienced harassment and is determined to prevent others from facing similar experiences. “I have not just heard about these incidents, I have personally experienced the harassment. I have given up wrestling but youngsters are hoping that our movement will boot out people like Brij Bhushan. We have done everything we could.”

She appealed to the government to ensure that individuals associated with Singh are not allowed into wrestling’s administration. “I am once again pleading with the government to ensure that people related to him are not allowed into wrestling’s administration. I will always stay positive and I am hoping for a positive outcome,” she said.

Wrestlers Challenge Legality of WFI Elections, Seek Court Intervention

Wrestlers Challenge Legality of WFI Elections, Seek Court Intervention

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Central government and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in response to a petition filed by renowned wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian. The petition challenges the legality of the WFI elections held in December 2023 and seeks their nullification.

The wrestlers, represented by senior advocate Rahul Mehra, allege that the elections violated the Sports Code and were conducted in a manner that undermines the integrity of the sport. They contend that the WFI has engaged in various wrongdoings, including sexual harassment and attempts to silence and sideline wrestlers who have spoken out against these abuses.

The petition specifically targets the election of Sanjay Kumar Singh, a close associate of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the new president. The wrestlers argue that this election was orchestrated to maintain the influence of Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven women grapplers.

The wrestlers also accuse the WFI of defying directives from the Sports Ministry and the ad-hoc committee appointed to oversee the federation’s affairs. They claim that the WFI has continued to conduct selection trials and other activities in violation of these directives, adversely affecting the career prospects of Indian wrestlers.

The petition requests the court to declare the WFI elections void and to direct the federation to cease all activities related to wrestling. It also seeks the appointment of a retired Supreme Court judge as an administrator to take over the management of the WFI.

The court has granted time to the Central government and the WFI to respond to the petition and has scheduled a further hearing for March 7. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of wrestling in India and the accountability of sports federations.

MS Dhoni Drops Bombshell: Hints at 'New Role' in IPL 2024

MS Dhoni Drops Bombshell: Hints at ‘New Role’ in IPL 2024

MS Dhoni Hints at ‘New Role’ in Upcoming IPL Season

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has sent shockwaves through the cricket world with a cryptic social media post hinting at a “new role” in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

On Monday, Dhoni took to Facebook to share a brief message that has sparked widespread speculation among his fans. “Can’t wait for the new season and the new ‘role’. Stay tuned!,” he wrote.

While the post did not provide any specific details about the nature of his new role, it has ignited a flurry of theories and discussions online. Some speculate that Dhoni may be stepping down as CSK captain, while others believe he could be taking on a coaching or mentoring role within the franchise.

Dhoni’s enigmatic message has left fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming IPL season, which is set to begin on March 22. CSK will open their campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai.

The 41-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has been an integral part of CSK since the inception of the IPL in 2008. He has led the team to four IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the tournament’s history.

Dhoni’s decision to step away from the captaincy would be a significant development for CSK. However, it is also possible that he could remain as captain while taking on a more advisory role, similar to what he did with the Indian national team in recent years.

Whatever the nature of Dhoni’s new role, it is clear that he remains a key figure in the CSK setup. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team as they look to reclaim the IPL trophy in 2024.

Indian Table Tennis Teams Qualify for Olympics for First Time Ever

Indian Table Tennis Teams Qualify for Olympics for First Time Ever

Indian table tennis has reached unprecedented heights as both the men’s and women’s teams have secured historic Olympic berths for the first time based on their world rankings. This remarkable achievement marks a watershed moment for the sport in India.

After the conclusion of the World Team Championships Finals in Busan, South Korea, which served as the final qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, seven spots in the team events remained. These spots were awarded to the highest-ranked teams not yet qualified, and India emerged victorious in both the men’s and women’s categories.

In the women’s event, India, ranked 13th in the world, secured its passage to Paris alongside Poland (12th), Sweden (15th), and Thailand. The men’s team, ranked 15th, also booked its ticket to the Olympics, along with Croatia (12th) and Slovenia (11th).

This historic qualification is a testament to the unwavering determination and exceptional talent of the Indian table tennis players. Veteran Sharath Kamal, who will be making his fifth Olympic appearance, expressed his elation on Twitter, stating, “Finally!!!! India qualifies for the team event at the Olympics! Something I have wanted for a long long time! This one is truly special, despite it being my fifth appearance at the Olympics! Kudos to our Women’s Team who also secure a historical quota!”

The Indian teams had narrowly missed out on Olympic berths at the World Team Championships Finals, with the men’s team losing 0-3 to South Korea and the women’s team falling 1-3 to Chinese Taipei in the pre-quarterfinals. However, their impressive world rankings have now earned them a place on the Olympic stage.

This achievement is a significant milestone for Indian table tennis history, as it will be the first time the nation competes in the team event at the Olympics since its inception at the Beijing 2008 Games. The Indian teams will now have the opportunity to showcase their skills against the world’s best and strive for Olympic glory.

Sri Lanka Selectors Prioritize Experience for T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Selectors Prioritize Experience for T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka’s selectors are prioritizing experience over youth as they finalize their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. This approach has led to the recall of Niroshan Dickwella for the T20I series in Bangladesh, following Kusal Perera’s withdrawal due to a respiratory infection.

The decision to favor experience means that promising young players like Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dunith Wellalage, Lasith Croospulle, and Shevon Daniel may have to wait for further opportunities with the national team. Viyaskanth, in particular, has impressed with his performances in the recent ILT20, claiming eight wickets in four games for MI Emirates at an economy rate of 5.43.

However, the selectors believe that Viyaskanth’s limited experience in international cricket (just one T20I) makes him a risk to include in the World Cup squad. “In T20s, we need a wicket-taking option, which is why we opted for Jeffrey [Vandersay] over someone like Dunith [Wellalage],” explained Upul Tharanga, the chairman of selectors. “We felt that Jeffrey was more of an attacking bowler in T20s.”

The selectors also had a lengthy discussion regarding Viyaskanth and Vandersay, with differing opinions within the committee. Ultimately, they decided to go with Vandersay’s experience, given the impending World Cup.

A similar rationale was applied to Dickwella’s selection ahead of Croospulle and Daniel. “We were looking for someone to play in the top order [with the injuries to Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera],” said Tharanga. “We looked at Shevon Daniel, Lasith Croospulle, and Dikka [Dickwella], but the first two are still quite young. It was difficult to pick them based purely on their most recent performances.”

Tharanga emphasized the importance of discipline within the team, acknowledging Dickwella’s past disciplinary issues. “Discipline is very important. We spoke to Dikka. The team is playing well, and we really haven’t had any issues with discipline in recent times. That’s a very important thing, it shows the unity of the team as well. Discipline needs to be the number one thing.”

Sahaja Yamalapalli Leads Indian Charge at Maha Urja ITF Women's Tennis Tournament

Sahaja Yamalapalli Leads Indian Charge at Maha Urja ITF Women’s Tennis Tournament

The Maha Urja $25,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament, set to commence on Tuesday at the MSLTA Academy in Ramnagar, will witness the participation of Sahaja Yamalapalli as the sole Indian seed. Ranked fifth, Yamalapalli will face Vaidehi Chaudhari in her opening match. She is placed in the third quarter alongside fourth seed Diana Marcinkevica.

In the absence of India’s top player Ankita Raina, who is competing in the Petroleum tennis tournament in Delhi, the Indian challenge will be led by national champion Shrivalli Bhamidipaty. Bhamidipaty will begin her campaign against qualifier Anastasia Zolotareva. Zeel Desai will take on Akiko Omae of Japan in her first-round match.

Akanksha Nitture displayed remarkable resilience in the qualifying rounds, saving six match points in the super tie-break to defeat Joel Nichole 14-12. Her reward is a first-round encounter with top seed Irina Maria Bara of Romania.

Other Indian players who have qualified for the main draw include Anjali Rathi, Vaishnavi Adkar, Humera Baharmus, and Soha Sadiq. Wild cards have been awarded to Sowjanya Bavisetti, Maithili Mothe, Sonall Patil, and Sejal Bhutada.

The tournament will provide a stern test for the Indian players, who will face a strong contingent of foreign competitors. The seedings for the tournament are as follows:

1. Irina Maria Bara (Rou)
2. Dalila Jakupovic (Slo)
3. Justina Mikulskyte (Ltu)
4. Diana Marcinkevica (Lat)
5. Sahaja Yamalapalli
6. Fanny Ostlund (Swe)
7. Miriana Tona (Ita)
8. Thasaporn Naklo (Tha)

Lancashire Assistant Coach Carl Crowe Departs for New Opportunities

Lancashire Assistant Coach Carl Crowe Departs for New Opportunities

Carl Crowe, Lancashire’s assistant coach, has bid farewell to the club after a mutually agreed departure on the cusp of the 2024 county season. The 48-year-old, who played 83 professional games between 1995 and 2009, has decided to explore new coaching opportunities.

Crowe’s coaching journey with Lancashire began as a consultant coach for the spinners in 2020 and 2021. He then transitioned to a full-time assistant role in late 2021. Prior to his time at Emirates Old Trafford, Crowe had established a strong reputation on the T20 franchise circuit, notably through his work with Sunil Narine.

“I have cherished my time at Emirates Old Trafford, but I believe it’s the right moment in my coaching career to move on and embrace new challenges,” Crowe said. “It was an honor to serve the Red Rose, and I am confident that this team has a bright future ahead. I extend my best wishes to Dale, Keaton, the players, and our loyal supporters.”

Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton expressed his gratitude for Crowe’s contributions. “Carl has made the decision to pursue new opportunities, and we fully support his choice. We appreciate his hard work since joining us permanently in 2021 and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Chilton said.

“Our relationship with Carl has been extremely positive, and we would welcome the opportunity to collaborate again in the future if the right circumstances arise. We are actively seeking a replacement for the coaching staff and will announce the appointment in due course.”

Rajasthan Royals Unveils Majestic New Jersey for IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals Unveils Majestic New Jersey for IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals Unveils Majestic New Matchday Jersey for IPL 2024

The Rajasthan Royals have unveiled their highly anticipated official matchday jersey for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, paying homage to the indomitable spirit of Rajasthan’s warriors and the vibrant culture of the state.

The jersey’s design is a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of the Royals on the cricket field. The shield-like design on the front and back symbolizes the unwavering determination of the team’s players. Intricate white elements woven into the shield narrate the tales of Rajasthan’s regal history.

Inspired by the traditional attire of Rajasthani women, the jersey features a distinctive bandhani pattern with vibrant colors. These dots represent the joy and festivity of the Royals’ home state. The design also incorporates patterns reminiscent of the jali work found in Rajasthan’s historical palaces and forts.

The jersey’s color scheme is a blend of hot pink and admiral blue. Hot pink symbolizes the strength and hospitality of women, while admiral blue exudes royalty and poise. These elements are incorporated into both matchday and training kits, with the latter predominantly featuring admiral blue as the primary color and hot pink accents.

The new jersey is a reflection of the Rajasthan Royals’ commitment to honoring their heritage while embracing modernity. It is a symbol of the team’s fighting spirit, cultural pride, and unwavering determination to succeed on the cricket field.

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